Middle Earth - Blog Posts
Gandalf The Grey
Eyes of a King
Part two of my Thranduil soulmate one shot
Sitting on my bed I listen to the birds outside my window, it’s strange not even just strange, bizarre. I would’ve been in Paris a few days ago, but now I’m in the fictional realm of Mirkwood that isn’t supposed to exist. On top of that, I’m the king's soulmate. I haven’t even seen him since my first day here. Meanwhile, the maids were the only ones that ever talked to besides Gandalf. Who of course has been hanging around Mirkwood. Part of me really wants to go talk to Thranduil or even just look at him again to make sure I’m not in a dream, but whenever I walk around I can never find him, and it seems impolite to enter his chambers. Sighing I hop off my bed and peer out the open windows to my left. From my room, I can see the hustle and bustle of the town below. I’ve thought of going down, but the world still seems too alien for me to go down alone. I don’t want to cause any issues. However, a knock at the door pulls me from my thoughts. Contemplating whether to open it or not I ask “Who is it?” A chuckle escapes the person behind the door and I open the door now realizing it is Gandalf. His smile is contagious and a laugh falls from my lips as I greet him “Good Morning Gandalf.”
He bows slightly and replies “It is a good morning indeed my lady.” Gandalf holds out his hand and asks “Would you like to walk with me through the market on this fine morning?” Walking out the door and softly closing it he offers his arm I loop it with mine, giving him a mischievous smile I ask “How many times do I have to tell you just to call me by my name?”
He mirrors my smile and replies “Many more” Shaking my head I question the practicality of my situation. I was basically kidnapped by a fictional character which happens to be illegal and I should be finding a way back home, but my soulmate who won’t even look at me is here. Frick me. I suddenly jump a bit when I hear Gandalf speak “Are you alright my dear?” His brow is creased in worry and his words truly did reflect his concern.
I acknowledge his fretting with a nod and a simple “Of course thank you.” He seemed to know that it was a white lie, but he simply nodded as we start walking through the different vendors. A small gasp escapes my lips as I see a stall with books of all types. Almost in a trance I quickly pull away from Gandalf and ask the vendor “Are there any in English, listo?” Did I add please in Sindarin at the end? Yes. Am I also a nerd who likes learning languages? Also yes. The vendor who I start to examine seemed shocked and now that I was looking at her I realize how beautiful she is. The Elleth who still seemed a bit cautious of me says back in perfect English “Yes a few…” She seems torn on something and I go to ask her about it but she beats me to it “I have never seen you around here, if I would have seen you before I would have known, not many humans come to Mirkwood.”
I was about to answer her when Gandalf seemingly appears beside me “She is my niece and has traveled with me from Dale.” Looking to Gandalf questioning what he was doing I then almost smacked myself, of course, he’s going to lie. I cannot go around saying I’m from another world.
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Huffing I sheepishly ask Gandalf “Could I have a little help?” After having a nice conversation with the elleth (whose name I learned is Älva) showed me a stack of beautiful hand-bound leather books in English. I was about to apologize because I had no money, but then he gave her shillings or something for all of them. He did so while I insisted he didn’t have to, yet he told me that Thranduil gave the money to Gandalf for me!
Gandalf gives a hearty chuckle “Of course my lady.”
So with great difficulty, we finally made it up the stairs and as we approached the doors to my room I ask Gandalf “Does he want to see me at all?”
The sadness that had seeped into my voice seemed to shock him for we stood silent for a few moments and Gandalf finally manages to form a few words “Of course he does my dear, but as I’m sure you understand Thranduil was married before you arrived and he did indeed love her.” My heart ached at his words and I croaked out “I know- It’s just.”
His eyes seemed to soften as I turn around “You’re lost my lady, I know you feel as if you do not belong.” Instead of answering I open the door to my room and set down the plethora of books that I held. Why is it me? Taking a shaky breath I look to Gandalf who also set down the books he was carrying. He asks me “Is there anything more I can do to help my lady?” Shaking my head I walk out to my balcony and sit. What am I going to do? Listening to the big doors shut I look to the skyline, there, there was the misty mountains. If I’m correct the dwarves should pass through Mirkwood soon… If they do I will be sure to help them, there is no need for all the bloodshed to occur… Getting and brushing off my dress (the maids insisted I wore one, but I am heavily considering changing into a tunic and trousers) I pick up a book I got, peek out the door, and head down the hall. I distinctly remember someone mentioning a library around here…
Creeping down the hall I jump when I hear a voice “What are you doing here?” Spinning around I see Legolas staring at me glaring.
Suddenly feeling much smaller I manage to speak “So a maid told me about a library and I just got a book and I really would like to see what books the palace has and- oh I’m trailing on I apologize.”
Quickly bowing I start to head right to look for the library when I hear “It’s to the left.” Turning around and bowing again I head to the left hall and slow my walking when I’m out of sight from Legolas. Here and there a maid, butler, or guard passes me, but for the most part, it was quiet. Taking my time I look at the carefully entwined branches, some areas were also stone, and overall it seemed as if nature itself swallowed the castle. The way the wood entwines with the stone and overall structure was breathtaking. Perhaps this architecture is better than Paris’s. Letting out a sigh I finally come to a doorway that smelt like old books and worn leather, knowing it's the Library I walk in book in hand, and see how beautiful it is. The elaborate designs all throughout it are breathtaking. The shelves themselves were made from intricate branches woven together. Brushing my hand over them lightly I finally take time to look at the library as a whole. Its walls were grand, at least 10 meters tall. As I pass by a chair the occupant who seems to be a young elfling was curled up sleeping. Smiling I take their cloak that fell on the floor and drape it over the elfling’s small frame. Looking around more I see a picture of a beautiful elleth hung in the center of the room. From her proud stature and crown, I could tell she was the last Queen. The little jealousy I had was now a burning crackling fire, it seemed so wrong for me to be jealous of the kind and graceful elleth, but I couldn’t help it.
Her soft features made it seem like she understood me as if she was saying “I’m sorry you don’t deserve this.” I hated being envious. Turning away I observe the rest of the room where soft light from the outside cascaded in and cast shadows in the library. The light especially seemed to hit a spot specifically a cozy corner in the room. I walk over to the chair and got closer only to notice someone was in it. That someone being Thranduil. After weighing the pros and cons I walk around the side of the chair to see his usual stern face now peaceful, his eyes were drooping like a child and his crown was off to a side table instead of being perched atop his head. Stepping away from him I instead sit in a nook by the window and begin to read. At first, I read silently, reading about the beginning of Middle Earth. Stealing a glance at Thranduil I made the decision to read aloud, although quietly. A while later I glance at Thranduil again to see an almost invisible smile ghosting his face. Perhaps not all is lost, smiling I feel my own eyelids begin to become droopy as I slowly drift into slumber.
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Waking up I begin to stretch, my back arches as my blanket begins to fall o- wait I didn’t bring a blanket. Now fully awake I grab at the fabric and realize it was actually a robe, a silver robe… A silver robe with actual pieces of silver… Oh my God… He gave me his robe! My mind buzzing I reach for my book and a note falls out. The looping English and signature made my heart flutter.
Thank you for reading - Thranduil
I was rewatching the Ralph Bakshi Lord of the Rings cartoon movie for the first time in many years and I forgot how Stoney Baloney this movie was! I realize that they basically ran out of money and had to use all the rotoscope footage they had which is why the story moves along so jarringly quick. There’s a whole 12 minute chase scene where it’s basically horse dressage while Frodo tries to get away. But this is it! This is how I fell in love with orcs! I saw these guys in this and the Hobbit cartoon and it rocked my world. Who were these fanged and tusked guys and where can I find more!? Luckily it was the early-ish 1990’s and I would soon be provided so much to work with as Magic the Gathering, Warcraft: Orcs and Humans, and my discovery of Warhammer Fantasy Battles would happen soon in quick succession not to mention that these movies would be remade by Peter Jackson as the new millennium rolled in. What a movie! What a legacy! What an impact on my life!
I added some more maps to the war room so I thought I’d show everyone what all I have so far!
"A legendary black dragon said to have prowled these lands from the days of old. Many skilled hunters have sought to challenge it, but none ever return. A monster shrouded in mystery..." Fatalis description from Monster Hunter Freedom 2/Unite --- "My armor is like tenfold shields, my teeth are swords, my claws spears, the shock of my tail a thunderbolt, my wings a hurricane, and my breath death!" -Smaug from The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Inn- Legolas x Y/N
a/n: Oh my goodness, I loveeee Legolas, and I think that this is an incredible story.
warning: ever so fluffy.
The biting wind of the Rohirrim plains whipped at Y/N’s cloak, and she shivered, pulling it tighter. The company had finally reached a small, remote inn, a welcome respite from the long days of travel. Inside, the warm glow of the hearth promised comfort, but a nagging unease settled in her stomach.
Gimli, with an almost unnerving enthusiasm, clapped her on the shoulder. “Come, lass! Time for a warm bed and a tankard of ale!”
Y/N smiled weakly, following him to the innkeeper. The innkeeper, a stout man with a weary face, looked apologetic. “Only one room left, I’m afraid. A busy night, it seems.”
Y/N’s eyes widened. She glanced at Legolas, who stood beside her, his expression serene as always. “Surely there’s…”
“Aye, only one,” Gimli interrupted, his eyes twinkling. “Unless one of you prefers the floor?”
Neither wanted to impose, so they decided to share. Y/N felt a blush creep up her neck as she followed Legolas to the small, dimly lit room. The single bed, though cozy, seemed impossibly small. However, although it was small, it seemed to be calling Y/N's name, her tiredness nearly overtaking the awkwardness of sharing it with the Prince of Mirkwood.
“I… I can sleep on the edge,” Y/N offered, her voice barely a whisper.
Legolas shook his head. “No, no. It's alright. We'll just maintain our distances." he said shyly.
They settled into the bed, back to back, a chasm of awkwardness between them. Y/N closed her eyes, trying to ignore the warmth radiating from Legolas’s body beside her. Sleep, however, was elusive.
Y/N soon fell into a deep sleep. To her surprise, whenever she awake, she found herself faced towards Legolas, his leg wrapped around her, and her head snuggled into his chest.
Before she could react, the door burst open, and a cacophony of voices filled the room. Gimli’s booming laughter echoed through the small space, followed by the amused chuckles of Merry and Pippin.
“Well, well, well! Look what we have here!” Gimli roared, his eyes wide with mischief.
Y/N and Legolas jumped apart, their faces flushed crimson. “I-I, um, we, this is not at all what it looks like." Y/N stammered, her voice trembling.
Legolas, equally flustered, simply stared at the floor. “Y/N, I am so sorry, I must have turned in my sleep."
The hobbits exchanged knowing glances, their smiles widening. Gimli patted Legolas on the back, his laughter subsiding into a low chuckle. “Aye, of course, lad. ‘turned in your sleep.’ Right.”
The rest of the day passed in a haze of embarrassment. Y/N avoided Legolas’s gaze, her cheeks burning with every glance from the hobbits. As evening fell, she sought solace by the tranquil lake outside the inn. The moon cast a silvery glow across the water, and the gentle lapping of the waves soothed her troubled mind.
“Y/N?”
She turned to see Legolas standing behind her, his eyes filled with a gentle warmth.
“I… I apologize for this morning,” she said, her voice barely audible.
Legolas stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. “There is no need." he said smirking, causing Y/N's heart to flip.
"It- it felt natural. With you." she said, her face flushed.
Legolas’s breath hitched. He reached out, his fingers gently tracing the line of her jaw. “Perhaps it was.”
He pulled her into a passionate kiss, everything else fading. Her arms wrapped around his neck, and his hands went to her waist. After they parted, the moment still lingering, Legolas, stared into her eyes.
"Nni melin thou, aewen nín." Legolas said softly.
Elvish to English
Nni melin thou, aewen nín- I adore you, my love
All elves and no dwarves make jack a dull boy. And i didn't even use a reference 👌 Although i'm not sure if that's a good thing... when i use references my drawings always end up looking even more stiff than usual...